Evilyn's Tips for Packing Parties

Evilyn’s Shoe Box Club from Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, has packed almost 2,000 shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child. (You can read her story in the December 2012 issue.) If you want to organize "packing parties" at your church, or simply pack one box for a child in need, keep these tips in mind:

1. Always pray before you start packing.
2. Make sure you use sturdy shoe boxes. (Ask a local shoe store if they can help.)
3. Don’t be afraid to ask other kids to donate—$7 can make a huge difference!
4. Some shoe box recipients like toothbrushes and soap even better than toys. Start with things a kid might need.
5. Don’t include chocolate—it melts. Pack gum, mints or hard candy instead.
6. Operation Christmas Child won’t accept war-themed toys (such as guns, jets or action figures).
7. I like to include little books or coloring books since I love to read.
8. Even though you really want to help, don’t pack the boxes too full. You don’t want the stuff inside to spill out before it arrives.
9. If little kids help pack, ask older volunteers to double-check their shoe boxes. (Sometimes they fill the whole box with just toys and candy.)
10. Remember to have the right heart. Don’t brag about all the boxes you’ve packed. Instead, thank God for giving you the opportunity to help.